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How Difficult Is It To Change Driver's Side Exhaust Header Gasket With Long Tube Headers?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Codyp1814
  • Start date Start date Apr 21, 2014

Codyp1814

New Member
Feb 19, 2014
3
0
2
Apr 21, 2014
#1
  • Apr 21, 2014
  • #1
So my '99 GT has developed a pretty good exhaust leak from the driver's side exhaust header. I bought it with the long tubes, and yeah, they sound great, but I would have never have put them on for this very reason. I know the engine has to be disconnected from the motor mounts and such, but is there anything else major involved? I found this article on how to install long tubes, but would the installation be the same changing a header gasket? Do I really have to pull all that other crap out of the way?

http://www.mikefordmustang.com/writeups/ltsv8/long-tube-install-mustang-gt.php#5



Thanks in advance.
 

Mattstang04

15 Year Member
Sep 15, 2006
1,152
144
104
St. Louis, MO
Apr 22, 2014
#2
  • Apr 22, 2014
  • #2
Unfortunately, the answer is "its a pain in the azz" and "yes" you will have to take a ton of stuff off to get at it.

Drop the front suspension off, disconnect the steering rack from the k member, brace the engine, drop the k member, then finally you can reach the headers. PITA.
 

sethahoward

Member
Dec 21, 2011
34
4
19
Somerset Pa
Apr 23, 2014
#3
  • Apr 23, 2014
  • #3
Make sure you buy some good gaskets and get the Stage 8 locking fasteners. That way the bolts CAN'T come loose again. Header bolts aren't something you want to chase. Good Luck.
 
Reactions: flstang65

elarm1

10 Year Member
Dec 17, 2010
1,428
652
154
N.Va
Apr 23, 2014
#4
  • Apr 23, 2014
  • #4
That is a LOT of work..... I feel soorry for you guys
 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
8,914
1,332
204
a van down by the river
Apr 23, 2014
#5
  • Apr 23, 2014
  • #5
Pretty easy on my fox
 

flstang65

10 Year Member
Dec 6, 2007
1,484
135
94
SE Georgia
Apr 24, 2014
#6
  • Apr 24, 2014
  • #6
Acceptance is the first step to recovery. In your case, repairing your exhaust leak. Accept the fact that you will have to drop the K member. Honestly, it will be way faster in the long run and cause less headaches and frustration.
 

Mattstang04

15 Year Member
Sep 15, 2006
1,152
144
104
St. Louis, MO
Apr 25, 2014
#7
  • Apr 25, 2014
  • #7
Ditto

Know it before you begin or you will lose hours trying to maneuver around the kmember, looking for the perfect angle, the perfect opening, holding your tongue in a different ways, wrenching your back and neck around. Until finally, you will ultimately land and the conclusion that it would have been faster and easier to remove the kmember.
 
Reactions: Three50won

Three50won

10 Year Member
Jul 11, 2010
1,135
64
69
Apr 28, 2014
#8
  • Apr 28, 2014
  • #8
Mattstang04 said:
Ditto

Know it before you begin or you will lose hours trying to maneuver around the kmember, looking for the perfect angle, the perfect opening, holding your tongue in a different ways, wrenching your back and neck around. Until finally, you will ultimately land and the conclusion that it would have been faster and easier to remove the kmember.
Click to expand...
HAHA!!
 
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